Date: July 2025 – December 2026
Country : El Salvador
For the Ministry of Health of El Salvador, with funding from The Global Fund, IQLS is providing technical oversight, supervision, and commissioning support for a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) National Reference Laboratory in San Salvador. The new facility will play a critical role in strengthening El Salvador’s capacity to safely detect and respond to high-risk pathogens.
IQLS is responsible for ensuring that the facility’s design and construction comply with the WHO Biosafety Manual (4th edition) and CDC BMBL guidelines. The project includes detailed technical supervision of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, as well as HVAC and HEPA filtration performance, to guarantee containment integrity and operational safety.The project is being implemented over an 18-month period and is structured around multiple field missions combined with continuous remote coordination. During each mission, IQLS experts assess progress, verify installations, and provide technical recommendations to the Ministry of Health and the construction company. Regular bi-weekly coordination meetings ensure close collaboration among all stakeholders and continuous monitoring of risks and timelines.
A major component of the project is capacity building and knowledge transfer. IQLS mentors and trains local engineers, biosafety officers, and laboratory staff to strengthen their technical autonomy in operating and maintaining the BSL-3 facility. Competency assessments, simulation exercises, and tailored training sessions are being conducted to ensure long-term sustainability and safe future operation of the laboratory.
The project also includes the joint development of key operational documentation, such as biosafety and biosecurity plans, incident response procedures, and emergency preparedness protocols. This comprehensive approach ensures that the laboratory will not only meet international containment standards but also be managed sustainably by trained national personnel.
After commissioning, the BSL-3 National Reference Laboratory will significantly enhance El Salvador’s national diagnostic and research capacities, enabling safe and reliable detection of emerging infectious diseases and contributing to regional and global health security.
